Lala could be a hurricane when it hits Hawaii: Forecasters

Hurricane Lala Gains Strength as Hawaii Braces for Weekend Impact

Cybersecarmor.com – Tropical Storm Lala is intensifying as it makes its way toward the Hawaiian archipelago, with meteorologists now projecting it will strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the Big Island this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for the island, signaling that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

According to the latest forecast issued at 5 p.m., Lala is expected to reach Category One status with sustained winds of at least 75 miles per hour, accompanied by even stronger gusts during the overnight hours of August 14. The storm’s trajectory places it on a collision course with the Big Island, though the exact point of landfall remains somewhat uncertain.

What Residents Can Expect

Forecast maps suggest the possibility of a direct hit on the Big Island, but even if Lala passes to the south, residents should not be complacent. The most dangerous winds typically occur on the northern side of a hurricane, meaning the island could still experience severe conditions regardless of the storm’s precise path.

On Oahu, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized a measured response to the approaching weather system.

“This is the time to prepare, not panic,” Blangiardi stated in an official news release. “We still do not know exactly where this system will track or how strong it will become, but we know enough to take it seriously. I am asking everyone on Oahu to use the next several days wisely.”

The mayor outlined specific steps for residents, including checking emergency supplies, creating family plans, securing property, and staying informed through official channels.

“The earlier we prepare, the better positioned we will be to respond to whatever comes our way,” he added.

Storm Position and Movement

As of 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Lala was positioned approximately 870 miles east-southeast of Honolulu and roughly 655 miles east-southeast of Hilo on the Big Island. The storm’s forward motion has slowed slightly, and it is currently traveling west-northwest at a speed of 9 miles per hour.

The National Hurricane Center has dispatched a hurricane hunter aircraft to investigate Lala’s current structure and intensity. These reconnaissance flights provide critical data that helps meteorologists refine their forecasts and understand the storm’s internal dynamics.

Over the weekend, beginning the night of August 14, Lala is expected to deliver high winds, heavy rainfall, and large waves across the main Hawaiian islands. Local authorities are encouraging residents to prepare for potential flooding and strong winds well in advance of the storm’s arrival.

Other Pacific and Atlantic Systems

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Hernan formed in the eastern Pacific early on the morning of August 13, hundreds of miles to the east of Lala. Meteorologists expect Hernan to turn southwest and weaken by August 14 without making landfall on any populated areas.

In the Atlantic Ocean, the hurricane center is tracking multiple systems. One tropical disturbance appears to be losing strength as of August 13, while a second system farther to the east has the potential to develop into a depression or storm later in the week. Former Tropical Storm Cristobal has already dissipated entirely.

As of August 13, none of these Atlantic systems are expected to have direct impacts on the mainland United States.

Island-Specific Preparations

Hawaii County Civil Defense has urged Big Island residents to prepare for high surf, flooding rains, and damaging winds. Residents are advised to ensure they have adequate food, water, and fuel supplies, as well as to sign up for alert messages through official channels.

In Honolulu, city officials have warned that Oahu could experience gusty winds and an increased risk of wildfires even before Lala arrives. Residents are being asked to remain cautious with any activities that could ignite fires and to secure loose outdoor items before winds intensify.

Kauai County has issued similar warnings, noting that river and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor areas may quickly become hazardous during severe weather.

“During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible,” the county stated. “Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.”

Looking Ahead

The National Hurricane Center also sees a high probability that a tropical storm will form on Thursday, August 13, or Friday, August 14, from a weather disturbance moving westward between the coast of Africa and the Lesser Antilles. The next name on the hurricane center’s list is Dolly, though what happens after that remains highly uncertain.

As this system moves closer to the Lesser Antilles, upper-level winds are likely to be unfavorable for additional development, according to the center’s latest update.

Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, provided additional insight into the developing situation.

“The disturbance is surrounded by a slug of dry air that’ll be a thorn in its side for much of this week,” Lowry explained, noting that the dry air could inhibit further development.

Meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including those at the National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and National Weather Service, are monitoring all potential developments from the night of August 14 through the weekend across the Hawaiian Islands. As of now, no direct impacts to the mainland United States are expected from any of the active systems.